Graduate Checklist: Class of 2026

Following is a month-by-month list of preparations for Commencement.

January

  • Share the schedule of Commencement events and hotel accommodations with family members and friends planning to attend in May.
  • Have your family and friends make hotel reservations for the event, if they have not done so already. All five undergraduate colleges host Commencement the same weekend, so hotels fill up quickly! Check out our updated list of hotels.

February

  • You may order directly from Jostens. If you plan on sending them, graduation announcements should be ordered from Jostens this month.

March

  • Select a location for your celebration meal after Commencement and make your reservations in advance!
  • Order flower leis if desired. Sherwood Florist, located within walking distance of campus, is offering pre-sale only flower leis for Commencement. They can be ordered and paid for directly through their website and picked up the day of Commencement at the commencement tent.

April

  • Join us! April, 2026 for “Family Focus – Session for Families of Seniors” available by Zoom. Please register at the link on the Family Focus page.
  • Mail announcements to friends and family by April 17, 2025. Announcements are customarily sent one month prior to event.
  • Audition to be the student speaker at Commencement or a speaker at the Senior Lunch. The audition email will be sent by the Senior Class co-presidents.
  • Last week of April, pick up your cap and gown at Cap and Gown Day, sponsored by DSA. Wednesday, April 29, 2026 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

May

  • Complete a Senior Survey in order to receive your cap and gown; Career Services will contact you directly with further information.
  • All graduates must attend rehearsal on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 3 p.m.
  • Address of commencement site for Sunday, May 17, 2026 is: 231 E. 10th Street, Claremont CA
  • GradImages is the official photographers of our Commencement ceremony. GradImages will take photos of all graduates as they ascend the stage and receive their diplomas. The company will make the photographs available to graduates in the days following the ceremony.
  • Brunch will be available in the Hoch-Shanahan Dining Commons on Sunday, May 17 from 10:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. for the cost of $19.75 per person, credit cards accepted, no cash.
  • Vacating residence halls: Graduating seniors must check out of their dorm room by 8:00 a.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026.